Harrison Expects Health Heading Into 2014

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Matt Harrison was expected to be Yu Darvish's right-hand man (or left-handed, for truth's sake), and possibly even a co-ace in 2013 for the Texas Rangers' pitching staff.

Harrison entered last season with two straight years of 3.39 and 3.29 with 32 wins in those two years. He'd finally seemed to figure it out and become a highly reliable pitcher for an ever-improving starting staff.

Then, Harrison's nightmare year began, before it really even started. The young lefty ended up with three surgeries in a five-month span and ended up making just two starts, including an Opening Night loss to the Houston Astros.

He's now looking for a bounce-back year and hopes to enter the year at full health.

“From what I’ve been able to get through so far, I think everything is going to be fine next year,” Harrison told the Star-Telegram. “The back feels good. It’s kind of weird not having any soreness after throwing.”

A healthy Harrison would be a huge addition to the Rangers, who nearly made the postseason last year without a guy that was arguably their best pitcher entering the season. Of course, Darvish showed he's a true ace in 2013, but Harrison is right behind him.